In recent days, protests have intensified across Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding an increase in the age limit for government job eligibility from 31 to 35 years. The issue has resonated deeply with many young people in the country, as they seek reforms to the employment system, especially amid economic challenges and high unemployment rates.
The protesters argue that the current age limit for government jobs—set at 31 years—excludes a significant portion of the population who have been unable to secure employment due to limited opportunities, lengthy education processes, and delays caused by economic challenges, particularly the impact of COVID-19. Increasing the age limit to 35 would, in their view, allow more people a fair chance at stable government employment.
The protesters escalated their actions by attempting to march toward the residence of prominent figure Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and influential voice in Bangladesh’s socio-political landscape. While Yunus has long been involved in poverty alleviation and economic development through microcredit programs, his residence became a symbolic target for protesters seeking to draw attention to broader issues within the government.
As the demonstrators approached Yunus’ residence in Dhaka, police forces responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, attempting to prevent them from reaching the area. The clashes led to injuries on both sides, with reports of several protesters and police officers being treated for injuries. Tear gas caused widespread panic among the demonstrators, but it did not fully deter the protest.
These protests are part of a broader pattern of public dissent in Bangladesh, where economic hardship, unemployment, and political dissatisfaction have fueled unrest. While the focus of these demonstrations is the government job age limit, it reflects wider frustrations among the youth and middle-class sectors of society regarding governance and economic inequality.
The caretaker government, while not directly responsible for Yunus’ involvement, faces increased pressure to address the growing demands for reforms, including changes in employment policies. The protest movement is likely to gain further momentum if the government does not respond with meaningful actions.
In the coming days, it remains to be seen how the government and Yunus himself will respond to the protesters’ demands, and whether this will lead to broader political reforms.
